• AROUND THE SAILING WORLD
  • BOAT OF THE YEAR
  • Email Newsletters
  • America’s Cup
  • St. Petersburg
  • Caribbean Championship
  • Boating Safety

Sailing World logo

  • By Bill Brockway
  • Updated: February 8, 2002

j 27 sailboat

The Rod Johnstone-designed J/27 was first introduced in 1983, and 211 hulls were built by 1992. This is one of the more affordable boats on our list, with an average price of $19,000. Racing it requires a crew of five to seven.

The J/27 sails to its rating best in light or heavy air and has some trouble competing in medium air, mostly because of the shorter waterline length. Some boats need simple upgrades to get ready for racing, such as new halyards, adjustable leads, and a new backstay. This is likely to cost approximately $2,500. A new suit of sails for a J/27 will be $7,500.

J/27 http://www.j27.org Typical monthly costs: $756 Annual budget range: $1,000 to $12,000 PHRF 17 to 129 LOA 27’6″ LWL 23′ Beam 8’6″ Draft 4’11” Disp. 3,800 lbs. SA 364 sq. ft.

Back to main story

  • More: Sailboats
  • More Sailboats

ClubSwan 28 rendering

Nautor Swan Has A New Pocket Rocket

Pogo RC Visuel

Pogo Launches its Latest Coastal Rocket

The Storm 18

A Deeper Dive Into the Storm 18

j 27 sailboat

2024 Boat of the Year Best Recreational Racer: Z24

Wayfarer dinghy

Wanderers of the Wayfarer Dinghy

j 27 sailboat

Alinghi Red Bull Racing First to Reveal Its AC75

2024 SailGP race in New Zealand

On the Line With US SailGP

Allan Terhune

Terhune’s Take On A Winning Streak

Sailing World logo

  • Digital Edition
  • Customer Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cruising World
  • Sailing World
  • Salt Water Sportsman
  • Sport Fishing
  • Wakeboarding

J/27 Detailed Review

https://images.harbormoor.com/originals/841fa763-c56e-41e9-920f-7cfc5d445901

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of J/27. Built by J Boats and designed by Rod Johnstone, the boat was first built in 1984. It has a hull type of Fin w/transom hung rudder and LOA is 8.38. Its sail area/displacement ratio 23.98. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on Outboard.

J/27 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about J/27 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, contributions, who designed the j/27.

J/27 was designed by Rod Johnstone.

Who builds J/27?

J/27 is built by J Boats.

When was J/27 first built?

J/27 was first built in 1984.

How long is J/27?

J/27 is 7.01 m in length.

What is mast height on J/27?

J/27 has a mast height of 10.06 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

j 27 sailboat

  • MEMBER LOGIN

Mid-Range members enjoy the J/27 for daysails, overnights, and 3-Day cruises.

The J/27 combines a classic look, superb stability, and an easy to manage rig. The 8’ long cockpit seats 4 to 5 comfortably. The J/27 is the perfect weekend cruiser.

Mid-Range members can daysail and overnight the J/27’s, AND take an extended cruise of up to three days.

J27.1

SPECIFICATIONS:

  • LOA: 27' 6"
  • DRAFT: 4' 10"
  • BEAM: 8' 6"
  • DISPLACEMENT: 3,800 LBS
  • BALLAST: 1,530 LBS (lead keel)
  • SAIL AREA: (Main + 100% jib) 364 SQ FT
  • See Policies and Procedures for full equipment list
  • 5 HP outboard w/3 gallon external tank
  • Main, 100% jib, 135% genoa, spinnaker
  • Danforth w/ 150 ft. rode
  • Navigation lights
  • Boston area chart and navigation equipment
  • Berths for four
  • Safety equipment and first aid kit

BOAT LAYOUT

j 27 sailboat

EXPLORE THE FLEET

Our 75+ boat fleet features boats from 23 to 40 feet and spans 5 distinct membership categories.

j 27 sailboat

Fleet of 10. J/24’s are very popular to daysail among the harbor islands and overnights to further destinations like Plymouth and Salem.

Boat Pursuits Logo

What is a J27 Sailboat? Here’s What You Need to Know

j 27 sailboat

If you are a sailing enthusiast, then you have likely heard of the popular J27 sailboat.

But you may not know much about this small sailboat’s design, features, and performance capabilities.

Whether you’re interested in cruising, racing, or just getting out on the water, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of the J27 and answer all your questions about this popular sailboat.

We’ll cover the design and construction of the J27, its features, performance capabilities, cruising and racing benefits, maintenance and upkeep requirements, and its sheer popularity among sailing enthusiasts.

Let’s dive into the world of the J27 sailboat!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The J/27 sailboat is a 27-foot keelboat designed by Rod Johnstone and manufactured by J Boats since 1988.

It is a popular one-design racing boat with an active class association.

It is a versatile boat suitable for both club racing and cruising, and is easily handled by a small crew.

The J/27 is a speedy yet stable boat, and is well-suited for day sailing and weekend trips.

Overview of the J27 Sailboat

The J27 sailboat is a light and fast racing sailboat that has become a popular choice for both racing and cruising.

It is a 27-footer, which makes it a great size for both inshore and offshore racing.

The J27 is equipped with a full-keel, fin keel, or a modified fin keel, depending on the individual model.

This gives the boat a unique combination of speed and maneuverability that makes it a great choice for racing.

The interior of the J27 is also well-equipped, with a spacious cockpit and comfortable cabin that makes it suitable for cruising as well.

The boat is designed to be able to reach speeds of up to 10 knots, and is fitted with a powerful sail plan that allows it to make the most of its speed.

The J27 is also designed to be an easy boat to sail, with an ergonomic design that allows the crew to effortlessly and quickly adjust the trim.

This, combined with the boat’s responsive handling, makes it an exciting and versatile sailboat that is sure to provide plenty of fun and excitement on the water.

Design and Construction of the J27

j 27 sailboat

The J27 sailboat is renowned for its sleek design and lightweight construction, making it the perfect choice for both racing and cruising.

The boat is 27-foot long, with a full-keel, fin keel, or modified fin keel, depending on the model.

It is also equipped with a spacious cockpit and a comfortable interior cabin.

The hull of the J27 is constructed from fiberglass and is designed to be lightweight and fast.

The boat also features a deep keel, which gives it the stability and tracking needed for racing.

The keel also helps to reduce drag, allowing the boat to reach speeds of up to 10 knots.

The deck of the boat is also designed with racing in mind, featuring non-skid surfaces and strategically placed cleats and handrails.

The cockpit is also designed to be comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room for the crew.

The interior cabin is also comfortable and well-equipped, with storage compartments, a galley, and a sleeping area.

Overall, the J27 sailboat is a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight and fast boat that can be used for both racing and cruising.

With its sleek design and lightweight construction, the J27 is sure to provide plenty of fun and excitement on the water.

Features of the J27

The J27 sailboat is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight and fast racing or cruising sailboat.

It is 27 feet long and can reach speeds of up to 10 knots.

Depending on the model, it can be equipped with a full-keel, fin keel, or modified fin keel.

This makes it incredibly versatile, allowing it to navigate inshore and offshore waters with ease.

The J27 also features a spacious cockpit, making it an ideal choice for those who want to entertain guests while out on the water.

The interior cabin is also comfortable, providing plenty of room for overnight stays or other extended trips.

The boat is also equipped with a number of safety features, such as life jackets, flares, and a fire extinguisher.

In addition to its speed and size, the J27 also features a range of sailing features that make it an ideal choice for racing.

It has a large mainsail and a genoa, as well as a spinnaker for downwind sailing.

It also has adjustable backstays that allow for fine-tuning of the sail trim.

This makes the J27 a great choice for those looking to race competitively or just enjoy a relaxing day out on the water.

Overall, the J27 sailboat is a great choice for those looking for a versatile and exciting sailboat.

It is equipped with plenty of features that make it ideal for both racing and cruising, and its size and speed make it a great choice for both inshore and offshore waters.

Whether you’re looking for a competitive edge or just a fun day out on the water, the J27 sailboat is sure to provide plenty of fun and excitement.

Performance Capabilities of the J27

j 27 sailboat

The J27 sailboat is a light and fast racing sailboat, capable of reaching speeds of up to 10 knots.

The sleek 27-footer is designed for racing in both inshore and offshore waters, making it an excellent choice for those looking to get the most out of their sailing experience.

The boat is equipped with a full-keel, fin keel, or modified fin keel, depending on the individual model.

This allows the boat to be nimble and responsive in all kinds of conditions.

The full-keel provides stability and tracking, while the fin keel allows for better maneuverability.

The modified fin keel is a combination of both, allowing for a balance of stability and performance.

The J27 is also equipped with a spacious cockpit and a comfortable interior cabin, making it a great choice for cruising as well as racing.

The J27 is designed for performance, and its sailing capabilities are unmatched.

The boat is capable of reaching speeds of up to 10 knots, which is impressive for its size.

The full-keel, fin keel, or modified fin keel provide stability and maneuverability, allowing the boat to perform well in a variety of conditions.

Additionally, the spacious cockpit and comfortable interior cabin make it a great choice for cruising as well as racing.

The J27 is an incredibly versatile boat, and its performance capabilities make it a great choice for both novice and experienced sailors alike.

Cruising and Racing Benefits of the J27

The J27 sailboat is the perfect choice for those who are looking for a light and fast boat for both cruising and racing.

The sleek 27-footer is designed to reach speeds of up to 10 knots, making it a great choice for inshore and offshore racing.

The J27 is equipped with either a full-keel, fin keel, or modified fin keel, depending on the individual model, providing the perfect balance of stability and performance.

The spacious cockpit and comfortable interior cabin make the J27 a great choice for cruising as well.

The boat is designed to accommodate up to six passengers, making it a great choice for family trips or weekend getaways.

The interior cabin is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable cruise, including a galley, head, and plenty of storage space.

The J27 sailboat is also perfect for those who love to race.

The boat is designed with a deep draft hull which helps it slice through the waves for a smoother ride and offers excellent control in varying wind conditions.

The boat also comes equipped with a full sail plan, providing plenty of options for customization to suit the individual racers needs.

The J27 is an exciting and versatile sailboat that is sure to provide plenty of fun and excitement on the water.

Whether youre looking for a fast and agile racing boat or a comfortable and enjoyable cruiser, the J27 sailboat has it all.

Maintenance and Upkeep Requirements

j 27 sailboat

The J27 sailboat is a great choice for racing, cruising, or both.

With its light and fast design, it can reach speeds of up to 10 knots, making it great for inshore and offshore racing.

However, like all boats, maintenance and upkeep are required to keep it running smoothly.

The J27s hull needs to be kept clean and free of barnacles and other marine growth.

Regularly cleaning the hull and applying antifouling paint will help to keep the boat running smoothly and reduce drag.

It is also important to regularly inspect the boat for signs of wear and tear, and make any necessary repairs.

The sails and rigging should also be checked regularly for wear and tear.

Sails need to be stored properly and inspected for any damage or worn spots.

The rigging should also be checked for any loose fittings or chafing.

Regularly greasing and lubricating the winches will help to keep them running smoothly.

The engine should be checked and serviced regularly to make sure it is running correctly.

The fuel tanks should also be checked for any water contamination and the fuel filters changed regularly.

The engine compartment should also be inspected for any signs of corrosion or water damage.

Finally, the interior of the boat should be kept clean and well-maintained.

The cushions should be vacuumed and cleaned regularly and any signs of mold or mildew should be treated immediately.

The boat should also be checked for any signs of water damage or leaks.

By following these maintenance and upkeep requirements, the J27 sailboat will remain in good working condition and provide many years of sailing pleasure.

Popularity of the J27

The J27 sailboat is a popular choice among sailors of all skill levels, from experienced racers to weekend cruisers.

This is due to its light weight, speed, and versatility, as well as its comfortable interior cabin and spacious cockpit.

The J27 is known for being a great boat for inshore and offshore racing, as well as for cruising.

It is a great choice for those looking for a fast and fun sailboat that can handle a variety of conditions.

The J27 is also popular among sailors for its range of keel types.

Depending on the individual model, the J27 can come with a full-keel, fin keel, or modified fin keel.

This allows sailors to choose the keel that best suits their needs and preferences.

The full-keel provides additional stability and allows the boat to sail more efficiently in light wind conditions.

The fin keel and modified fin keel are designed to be more responsive and maneuverable in higher wind conditions.

The popularity of the J27 sailboat is also due to the fact that it is easy to find parts and accessories.

With so many J27s on the water, there is an abundance of aftermarket parts and accessories available, making it easy to keep your boat running in peak condition.

In conclusion, the J27 sailboat is a popular choice for a variety of reasons.

It is light, fast, and versatile, making it suitable for inshore and offshore racing as well as cruising.

It is also easy to find parts and accessories for the J27, ensuring that it is always running in peak condition.

Whether you are an experienced racer or a weekend cruiser, the J27 is a great choice for anyone looking for a fast and fun sailboat.

Final Thoughts

The J27 sailboat is a fast and light racing sailboat that is versatile enough for both racing and cruising.

With a full-keel, fin keel, or modified fin keel, spacious cockpit, and comfortable interior cabin, this 27-footer is a great choice for any sailing enthusiast.

The J27 is sure to provide plenty of fun and excitement on the water, making it a popular choice among sailors.

So if you’re looking for a fast and exciting sailboat that can offer you the best of both worlds, the J27 should definitely be on your list.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

Recent Posts

Does Your Boat License Expire? Here's What You Need to Know

Are you a boat owner looking to stay up-to-date on your license requirements? If so, youve come to the right place! In this article, well cover everything you need to know about boat license...

How to Put Skins on Your Boat in Sea of Thieves? (Complete Guide)

There is a unique sense of pride and accomplishment when you show off a boat you customized to your exact specifications. With Sea of Thieves, you can customize your boat to make it look like your...

j 27 sailboat

J27 Class Site

Welcome to the J-27 Class Google Site.

1) Navigate by clicking on the drop downs at the top

2) Please check your boat on the "Class List" page, and see if the info we have is complete and correct.

3) This site is a work in progress. Come back often for new information to get the most out of your J-27.

Please join the J27 Class Google Group to participate in group discussions and edit the site.

Why so many J27 web sites?

There are a few sites and groups dedicated to the J27:

This one. This site replicates the content on from the J27 wikispace site ( http://j27.wikispaces.com/ ) that will be shut down in mid 2018. Like the wikispace site, it is unique in that it is the “unofficial” site, and its content is material only put out by owners and users of the J27, not by the class association nor the manufacturer(s). Want to know how the people that sail the boat rig it? Want to know how to secure a trailer, and what size trailer is needed as reported by those who actually tow the boat? Want to know how to seal the windows based on advice from years of practical use? You will find it here.

The J27 Yahoo Group. The group still exists and is a forum for sharing info. We've tried to bring the best of the Yahoo group to this site with the creation of the J27 Google Group.

This site is an outgrowth of conversations that have occurred among members of the Yahoo J27 Group as well as information that people have entered into the wiki pages of the site on their own. It represents the collective wisdom of J27 owners who are enjoying their boats and still keeping them competitive after 25+ years.

David Epstein started the wiki site and others have added material, had a photo contest, etc. when they saw fit. Want something posted or some information given out? You may do it yourself.

And the “official” site of the JBoat manufacturer’s interest in the J27 . http://www.jowners.org/ You must register to be accepted as a user of the site, and you must be an owner or manufacturer before you will be accepted. The webmaster is listed on the site, and the site is owned by JBoats.

Feel free to add information to this site whenever you want. It is the one that is run by the boat owners themselves and relies on the experiences and knowledge shared by those owners for the good of the J27 community. You might also attach your name so we can thank you for your help. While not as open as the wikispace, we'll post items as they come in. Please join the J27 group and share the material there. It'll have to work until we can find a better solution.

Contributors - at least somewhere on the site

  • Balance Act
  • Cuckoo Voodoo
  • Independence
  • Messing About
  • PHRF Sailor
  • Shade of Avalon
  • Smackwater Jack

j 27 sailboat

  • BOAT OF THE YEAR
  • Newsletters
  • Sailboat Reviews
  • Boating Safety
  • Sailing Totem
  • Charter Resources
  • Destinations
  • Galley Recipes
  • Living Aboard
  • Sails and Rigging
  • Maintenance

Boat Reviews of Pocket Cruisers and Daysailors: Tartan 245, J/9 and Beneteau First 27

  • By Herb McCormick
  • May 24, 2022

Sailboats are getting ­bigger all the time. Gone are the days when a boatbuilder like Catalina would pump out hundreds of Catalina 22s in a ­production run that would last decades. Profit margins for ­builders are far greater with larger ­vessels, and more and more ­buyers—even first-time buyers who’ve ­never owned a yacht—are ­coming into the market searching for boats 40 feet or greater. It’s kind of amazing but also true. 

That’s why it’s interesting and exciting when production boats under 30 feet debut, and it’s even better when our Boat of the Year judging panel has a dedicated class of nifty new ­offerings to inspect, as we did for model year 2022. 

What’s cool about the trio of boats that comprised this year’s Pocket Cruiser/Daysailer ­division—the Tartan 245, ­­

J/Boats 28-foot J/9 and Beneteau First 27—is that each was fundamentally different than the others, designed with a specific purpose or sailor in mind. Our task as judges was to determine which boat best served its stated purpose. As a big bonus, all three boats were stout ­performers and a blast to sail. 

With no further ado, let’s have a look at them. 

Tough Little Tartan

My first thought when I peered into the cockpit of the 24-foot, Tim Jackett-­designed Tartan 245 was that it reminded me very much of my ­ancient Pearson Ensign, which debuted in the early 1960s. Like the Ensign, the 245 is an unabashed ­daysailer with a long, inviting cockpit; good stowage beneath the ­cockpit’s coaming; and a ­little cuddy cabin forward for ­stashing sails and duffels, and for a ­simple berth or head while camping-c­ruising. When I mentioned this to Cai Svendsen, who’d commissioned the design for use as a trainer in the Judd Goldman Center’s adaptive sailing program, he expressed his fondness for the Ensign and confirmed that he’d incorporated some of its features in the brief.

But the 245 is also quite different than the old Pearson in several important ways. First, it employs a lifting keel with 900 pounds of ballast—a significant number in a vessel that displaces less than 3,000 pounds. Draft with the board down is 4 feet, 6 inches; raised, it’s a mere 1 foot, 8 inches. With a kick-up rudder, this boat can traverse very skinny water and even nudge right up to the beach. 

Next, with his experience teaching sailing (novices are known to whack the occasional dock), Svendsen opted for a false, sacrificial bow that is bolted on. It can be quickly and easily swapped out if damaged (you can also spec the boat without what Tartan calls the “Crunchbow”). 

Finally, like its larger siblings in the Tartan clan, the boat comes with a carbon rig (deck-stepped on the 245, with swept-back spreaders). You can also order an optional retractable carbon bowsprit for off-wind kites or reachers. For motoring in and out of the marina, there’s a 4 hp outboard. The whole package can be easily towed by a small pickup or SUV. 

The profile is no-nonsense with just a hint of a sheerline, and with an open transom for safe and easy swimming (something I wish they’d thought of on my Ensign). Sail controls are atop the coachroof, and the cockpit is definitely roomy; it is meant to accommodate four students and an instructor standing aft. Available sail plans include a choice of overlapping headsails or a self-tacking jib. The whole idea is to make the boat simple and accessible, a fact underscored by its potential use in programs where a wheelchair can be rolled aboard. 

Svendsen was gracious enough to take us for an afternoon spin on Chesapeake Bay in a fitful breeze that never topped 10 knots. It mattered not a whit. The tiller-steered 245, with a simple tiller extension so you perch up on the rail with a grand view, was an absolute blast to sail, quite responsive, and surprisingly quick considering its diminutive stature. (The 245 shares this prowess with the many Jackett ­designs in the Tartan lineup.)

When we sailed right up to the dock and dropped the main, Svendsen left us with this accurate thought: “Little boats are where you have fun. Big boats are where you spend money.” 

He’s totally correct. With the Tartan 245, in the fun/cash quotient, the return on investment can be measured in miles and smiles. 

  • tartanyachts.com
  • 440-392-2628

Everyone can agree on how ­awful the pandemic has been, but for fans of the sweet sailing line of J/Boats—designed and marketed by the Johnstone family for some 45 years now—the COVID-19 cloud had a silver lining. It was at least partially responsible for the creation of the company’s latest model: the simple 28-foot daysailer dubbed the J/9.

Company president Jeff Johnstone said that the inspiration for the J/9 came when the regatta season was canceled and he spent time sailing exclusively with his family on a 23-foot J/70, the only boat that was available. 

“It was the best summer,” he says. “No racing, just pleasure sailing. I rediscovered my joy for it. We got to the fall and started thinking about older sailors, this whole generation of baby boomers who might be getting out of racing but still want to sail. And we revisited the concept behind the J/100, a 33-footer that was ideal for a simple day’s sail.” 

The seed was planted; ­simplicity would reign.

As Johnstone says, all ­

J/Boats perform well under main alone. Having owned both a J/24 and a J/30, I can ­attest that the statement is without hyperbole. At first, the idea was to perhaps go with a boat driven solely by a mainsail. “But it didn’t take long before our sailing instincts kicked in and we wanted to go upwind,” Johnstone says. 

So the boat became a straightforward sloop with a furling jib. Hoist the main, ­unroll the headsail, and away you go. (A short, fixed sprit is available for those who must ­also fly a spinnaker.) 

As with the Tartan 245, the focal point of the J/9 is the cockpit, and it’s clear the team spent a lot of time considering it. (That said, the J’s interior is actually quite cozy, with a pair of settees and an optional V-berth forward; I could have a fun time aboard on a little camping-­cruising vacation.) Johnstone said that his team was enamored with and inspired by the Carl Schumacher-­designed Alerion Express 28, a fine little sailboat, but the Johnstones made what I consider a significant improvement by going with an open transom that airs out things aesthetically and makes practical sense as a perfect swimming/boarding platform. 

RELATED: 2022 Boat of the Year: Best Pocket Cruiser/Daysailer

The boat has a trio of auxiliary options: a basic outboard, an inboard diesel, or an electric Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 pod drive with a dual-blade folding prop that’s powered by a 48-volt, 5 kW lithium-ion battery with a 650-watt charger that can be plugged ­directly into dockside shore ­power. “It’s the first time in our ­history that we could offer an electric alternative at the same price as the diesel, not 20 percent more,” Johnstone says. “And talk about a simple ­installation.”

We sailed the J/9 on a cracking fall day on Chesapeake Bay in an ideal 10 to 12 knots, and man, it did not disappoint. As advertised, the layout is simplicity personified: one hand on the tiller, the other on the mainsheet. There’s no traveler, but the boom is controlled by an ingenious bridle ­setup. There’s a clear view of the B&G plotter on the coachroof, the solid Sparcraft vang aids in boom control, and lazy jacks for the main keep everything manageable. And the J/9 sails like a witch, notching just shy of 7 knots hard on the breeze, and topping that ­number cracked off on a reach. 

The joy of sailing, eh? Here’s your ticket. 

  • 401-846-8410

First Is First

When all was said and ­done, the winning entry in the ­Pocket Cruiser/Daysailer class was the Beneteau First 27. 

It was a tough call because the three boats were so apart from one another—not apples and oranges, but an apple, an orange and a pear. Yet the judges were unanimous in our choice, partly because of the Beneteau’s excellent fit-and-finish, and also because we felt it best-suited for what it set out to do. 

“The mission for this boat is shorthanded distance racing, and I think that’s really interesting. It’s probably the fastest-growing segment in the racing scene,” judge Tim Murphy says. “The idea is getting sailors in a competitive environment to really develop themselves as sailors. When racing, it’s not about comfort; it’s all about the sailor getting offshore and navigating and sailing overnight, and having the sail controls and layout set up to derive and maximize the power available in the boat, which is significant. It’s a tool for really becoming an experienced sailor. I think that ­mission is really strong.”

To underscore that point, our test sail aboard the First 27 was sensational, conducted in 10 to 14 knots of fine Chesapeake Bay wind, with speeds topping out at almost 8 knots hard on the breeze. We did 10 knots with the asymmetric kite up and drawing—it’s set off a retractable sprit—on a tight, close reach. The little rocket is a ball to steer, with a full-width traveler to dump the main in the gusts, and twin outboard rudders that really grip the seaway and offer pinpoint control. Remember, we’re talking about a boat shorter than 27 feet here. It provides the sort of performance usually reserved for craft with significantly ­longer waterlines. 

However, make no mistake—the First 27 is by no means a stripped-out, Spartan ­racing machine (well, at least the ­version we sailed; there are two models: one a dedicated racer and the racer/cruiser we tested). All the elements are there for real coastal cruising: a serviceable galley, head and berths, and a 15 hp Yanmar diesel. Yes, the boat was conceived for racing, but it’s also a quite adequate pocket cruiser as well. And on top of all that, it’s trailerable.

Built in Slovenia, the boat was originally marketed as the Seascape 27 before Beneteau acquired the company and rebranded the model as the First 27. Construction is top-notch: vacuum infusion with a PVC foam core, a laminate that’s light and strong. Nearly 1,350 pounds of ballast are incorporated in the lead, T-shaped bull keel (fastened to a steel blade), a significant figure in a vessel that displaces less than 4,000 pounds (the sail area/displacement ratio of 97 is not a typo). The idea was to instill super stability in a hull that planes, a concept that might seem diametrically opposed but works well in practice here. There’s even a little crash bulkhead forward. And all the related equipment is terrific: Seldén spars, Harken winches, B&G instruments and a Spinlock tiller extension, to name a few. 

There’s no question that this is an athletic boat to sail and operate, and plenty of adjustments in the rig and sail plan make it eminently tweakable. In other words, there’s nothing sedate about the boat underway. But the effort put in is returned with thrills in spades. For a certain brand of sailor, the trade-off and rewards will be more than worth the sweat equity involved.  

  • beneteau​.com
  • 401-990-0270

Herb McCormick is a CW  editor-at-large. 

  • More: beneteau , Boat of the Year , print 2022 may , sailboat review , Sailboat Reviews , tartan yachts
  • More Sailboats

Thinking of a Shift to Power?

A gem in new england, tradewinds debuts 59-foot twe6 smart electric yacht, sailboat preview: dufour 44, good bread for good health, center of effort, the halfway point: sailing to bermuda.

  • Digital Edition
  • Customer Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Email Newsletters
  • Cruising World
  • Sailing World
  • Salt Water Sportsman
  • Sport Fishing
  • Wakeboarding

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

  • Sailboat Guide

1985 27.5' J Boats J 27

  • Description

Seller's Description

Flexible about price. Want to see her go to a good owner.

Originally from Chesapeake Bay area. Previously owned by Howie McMichael. Raced in EBYRA and HRYRA. Located in Westchester County on the Hudson River.

In pretty decent shape but 1 stanchion needs to be rebedded and others should be at some point in time.

She’s been stored on the hard and covered for the past 2 years. Recently uncovered and cleaned.

Equipment: Sail inventory: Dacron main; Kevlar #1 155% Genoa; Dacron #3 95% Jib; Nylon chute & reacher ( 3 blown out sails useful for manufacturer trade in deals)

Outboard: 5hp Mercury 4-stroke. 6 years old, <50 hours.

Winches: Barient 2-speed primaries and cabin tops

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

This listing is presented by SailboatListings.com . Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller.

View on SailboatListings.com

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

  • About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

IMAGES

  1. J/27

    j 27 sailboat

  2. J/27 Sailing Performance

    j 27 sailboat

  3. 1985 J Boats J/27 sailboat for sale in Louisiana

    j 27 sailboat

  4. J/27

    j 27 sailboat

  5. 1981 J BOATS j 27 sailboat for sale in New York

    j 27 sailboat

  6. 1985 J Boats J27 Chester, Nova Scotia, Canada

    j 27 sailboat

VIDEO

  1. ...Sailing. Part 2 Up the Atlantic Coast on a Cabo Rico 38

  2. Stepping the mast on a 25 foot MacGregor Sailboat

  3. 1974 Catalina 22 sailboat painting project, How long did it take?

  4. March Update

  5. Sailing a Precision 23 on Charlotte Harbor

  6. Sailboat runs aground on reef off Waikiki Beach

COMMENTS

  1. J/27

    A boat with a BN of 1.6 or greater is a boat that will be reefed often in offshore cruising. Derek Harvey, "Multihulls for Cruising and Racing", International Marine, Camden, Maine, 1991, states that a BN of 1 is generally accepted as the dividing line between so-called slow and fast multihulls.

  2. Performance

    The J/27 Class Association, owner driven and over 190 boats strong, sail in North American, Midwinter, and Regional championships. A superb J/27 Class Newsletter keeps you up-to-date on Class activities, latest results, maintenance tips, cruising points of interest, and "go-fasts". And the J/27 Class Rules have sail limitations to help insure ...

  3. J27 sailboats for sale by owner.

    J27 preowned sailboats for sale by owner. J27 used sailboats for sale by owner.

  4. J/27

    The J/27 is a Fractional rigged sloop designed by Rod Johnstone and built by Tillotson Pearson, Inc. between 1983 and 1992. 211 boats were built before it was replaced by the J/80. A large cockpit and open decks allows crew to move around easily, and the Fractional rig means that sail costs are kept down. The boat has four bunks, and a galley ...

  5. J/27

    J/27, PHRF, low-budget, racing. The Rod Johnstone-designed J/27 was first introduced in 1983, and 211 hulls were built by 1992. This is one of the more affordable boats on our list, with an ...

  6. J/27: Reviews, Specifications, Built, Engine

    1 of 2. If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of J/27. Built by J Boats and designed by Rod Johnstone, the boat was first built in 1984. It has a hull type of Fin w/transom hung rudder and LOA is 8.38. Its sail area/displacement ratio 23.98.

  7. J/27

    J/27 is a 27′ 5″ / 8.4 m monohull sailboat designed by Rod Johnstone and built by J Boats between 1983 and 1992. Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. ... J Boats Association J/27 Class Association # Built 211 Hull Monohull Keel Fin Rudder Transom hung Construction FG Dimensions. Length Overall ...

  8. J/27

    The J/27 combines a classic look, superb stability, and an easy to manage rig. The 8' long cockpit seats 4 to 5 comfortably. The J/27 is the perfect weekend cruiser. ... Our 75+ boat fleet features boats from 23 to 40 feet and spans 5 distinct membership categories. Mid-Range. J/24

  9. Tech Specs

    J/24 Technical specifications & dimensions- including layouts, sailplan and hull profile.

  10. What is a J27 Sailboat? Here's What You Need to Know

    The J/27 is a speedy yet stable boat, and is well-suited for day sailing and weekend trips. Overview of the J27 Sailboat. The J27 sailboat is a light and fast racing sailboat that has become a popular choice for both racing and cruising. It is a 27-footer, which makes it a great size for both inshore and offshore racing.

  11. J/27

    What are the Best and Budget-Friendly Trailerable Sailboats in 2022? If you're looking for a fun hobby this weekend, then consider sailing. Small lakes and inland waters are perfect environments for sailing adventures.

  12. 1989 J Boats J27 sailboat for sale in New York

    5'. New York. $11,000. Description: 1989 J/27 "White Hawk", Hull #169, for sail. Faired bottom refinished in 2011. Triad dual axle trailer all rebuilt in 2009. 2008 5hp Nissan outboard. New instruments and compass 2009, electric system 2010, Awlgripped spars and new running rigging in 2010 and 2011. Self-tailing winches, and Hall Quickvang.

  13. J/Boats- Better Sailboats for People Who Love Sailing

    J/70 - Sailing Fun for All Ages. The J/70 speedster is a fun, fast, stable 22 footer that tows behind a small SUV and can be ramp-launched, rigged and sailed by two people. J/70 sails upwind like a proper keelboat and then simply flies off-the-wind - planing into the double digits in moderate breeze. With 1,700+ boats delivered worldwide, the ...

  14. J27 Class Site

    The J/27 is one of the most sensitive upwind boats I've ever sailed. Your forestay sag and rake have to be spot on for different wind conditions or you are toast. The even (upper and lower with intermediates hand tight) shroud tensions originated with Chris Princing back in 1997 or so, when he was using Doyle sails from Newport RI.

  15. J27 Class Site

    Welcome to the J-27 Class Google Site. 1) Navigate by clicking on the drop downs at the top. 2) Please check your boat on the "Class List" page, and see if the info we have is complete and correct. 3) This site is a work in progress. Come back often for new information to get the most out of your J-27. Please join the J27 Class Google Group to ...

  16. J/27 Magnificent 7 sailing fast down wind 15 knots

    The J/27 Mag 7 planing down wind 13-15 knots in the St. Thomas International Rolex Regatta 2012. Surfing waves and topping out at 15 knots. Day one race one,...

  17. J Boats for sale

    J Boats for sale on YachtWorld are offered at a range of prices from $4,691 on the lower-cost segment, with costs up to $460,310 for the most expensive, custom yachts. What J Boats model is the best? Some of the best-known J Boats models currently listed include: J/105, J/99, J/109, J/112E and J/120. Specialized yacht brokers, dealers, and ...

  18. J/27 For Sale- J/Net Brokerage Special!

    The J/27 is a classic 27-footer for sale that is an extremely fast light-air sailboat for its size. A great daysailing boat for a couple or small family. Plus, she's fun to go weekend cruising and stretch out in her 8-foot long cockpit. For more information on this classic J/27 Add to Flipboard Magazine. J/Boats is the world leader in high ...

  19. J/27 Class Association

    J/27 Class Association. Related Sailboats: Sort by: ... 1 Sailboats / Per Page: 25 / Page: 1. 0 CLICK to COMPARE . MODEL LOA FIRST BUILT FAVORITE COMPARE; J/27: 27.50 ft / 8.38 m: 1984: ShipCanvas. KiwiGrip. Bruntons. Rudder Craft. EWOL. SBD App Non-BR. bottom ads1 row1 ...

  20. Boat Reviews of Pocket Cruisers and Daysailors: Tartan 245, J/9 and

    J/Boats 28-foot J/9 and Beneteau First 27—is that each was fundamentally different than the others, designed with a specific purpose or sailor in mind. Our task as judges was to determine which boat best served its stated purpose. As a big bonus, all three boats were stout ­performers and a blast to sail.

  21. 1985 27.5' J Boats J 27

    She's been stored on the hard and covered for the past 2 years. Recently uncovered and cleaned. Equipment: Sail inventory: Dacron main; Kevlar #1 155% Genoa; Dacron #3 95% Jib; Nylon chute & reacher ( 3 blown out sails useful for manufacturer trade in deals) Outboard: 5hp Mercury 4-stroke. 6 years old, <50 hours.

  22. Sailboat Listings sailboats for sale by owner

    24' J Boats J 24 Brewster, New York Asking $7,500. 28.5' Hunter Au Gres, Michigan Asking $12,500. 34' Catalina C34 Deale, Maryland Asking $57,500. ... 27' Heritage Marine Nor'Sea 27 Sheffield Lake, Ohio Asking $28,000. 18' Ventura Sport Boats Malbec 18 St Augustine FL, Florida Asking $28,500. 32' Columbia International 5.5 Meter

  23. J Boats sailboats for sale by owner.

    J Boats preowned sailboats for sale by owner. J Boats used sailboats for sale by owner.